Power Wagon Registry

Radiator Hoses: To Change Or Not?

Radiator Hoses: To Change Or Not?

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2019 9:56 am

by trk4sale

My truck is now 14 years old and I'm wondering about whether I should proactively replace the coolant hoses. 61,000 miles, never over heated, and I changed the coolant once. Anybody know how long these hoses will last?

Re: Radiator Hoses: To Change Or Not?

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2019 4:05 pm

by PWJouster

perform an inspection of the hardware, its the only way to tell.

61,000 miles in 14 years could mean alot....why dont you drive it? lol

Re: Radiator Hoses: To Change Or Not?

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2019 4:07 pm

by FordyceCreekTrail

I have 50K in less then 2 years, holy cow! Seriously I don't know what they make modern hoses and belts out of but they freaking last forever these days. Not sure I ever replaced any on my 2005 Nissan Titan at 230K

Re: Radiator Hoses: To Change Or Not?

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2019 7:00 pm

by SeppW

Used to be the so-called experts said change all the hoses every 5-7 years. I think most run until it blows out. Hard to tell anymore with parts made all over the world. I generally change them when they get spongy/mushy around the inlets and outlets or start bulging or when I do a rad flush and fill replace the upper and lower hose.

I've seen some silicone hose on different things, but not clear to me the utility of them. If they were that good, auto manufacturers would be using them, but I guess rubber keeps costs down. With the pricing of vehicles today sort of makes me wonder what cost are being reduced by using alternative, substitute, or "it's good enough for Joe's pizza, it's good enough for the consumer" part.

Re: Radiator Hoses: To Change Or Not?

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2019 7:32 pm

by coder

Since you can't always visibly see if a hose is going bad I would replacement them just for peace of mind.

I would also recommend replacing, if you haven't recently, the thermostat, the thermostat inlet tube, and the radiator cap and heck you might as well throw in a new serpentine belt while your at it. Coolant should be done every 60k miles or 5 years whichever comes first.

Rockauto has good prices on all that stuff I always use Mopar or Gates parts, in fact some of the OEM parts are made by Gates like the belt tensioner and thermostat.

Good Luck!

Re: Radiator Hoses: To Change Or Not?

Posted: Thu Sep 05, 2019 10:03 pm

by Bill2014

If it’s weeping coolant, then i’d Replace it, otherwise I’d leave it be. That logic has always worked for me.

Re: Radiator Hoses: To Change Or Not?

Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2019 2:57 pm

by FordyceCreekTrail

All that being said, if you ever have major engine work done and have to pull things apart, replace all the stuff. If you need major work on the engine, you probably need belts, hoses, water pump, ect. But with 10 miles a year it may never be a problem for you!

Re: Radiator Hoses: To Change Or Not?

Posted: Fri Sep 06, 2019 4:39 pm

by RustyPW

When replacing heater hoses. Be careful at the heater core. Don't try to twist the hoses off. It's better to take a new sharp razor blade. Cut the hoses, and then peel the hose off the nipple. I've seen people try to twist and wiggle the hoses off. Only to cause a leak on the nipple/core junction/

Re: Radiator Hoses: To Change Or Not?

Posted: Sat Sep 07, 2019 8:43 am

by trk4sale

True, not many miles on the truck. I've always had a "freeway flyer" to drive around town.
I appreciate the comments and am leaning towards replacing things. The miles I do put on the truck are mostly on trips to the Mojave Desert and frequently alone so it makes sense to keep everything in good shape to avoid failure 50 miles from anywhere.
I hear you about twisting and pulling, just have to be careful not to score the nipple with the blade.

Re: Radiator Hoses: To Change Or Not?

Posted: Sun Sep 08, 2019 5:56 pm

by cb1987

everything works fine until it doesnt. rubber degrades over time and at 15yr they could blow at any time and leave you stranded, and a towing bill, and alot of grief. most people wait until theyre stranded. dont be like most people

my 04 tacoma rarely is driven but i changed out the timing belt, water pump and cam seals at 68k, well before the recomended milage recomendation. why. because its was around 12yo and rubber degrades and if the timing belt breaks then it bends the valves. imagine that mess